An ever increasing number of people are joining the mobile computing users.
Laptops are showing up at every corner cafe, book store, and even resturants.
The need for the ability to check e-mail and remain connected to your clients
and office is growing as fast as the market can sustain. This brings many people
to the market with questions about what notebook is right for them. We will
take a look at several situations and make some recommendations and explanations
so that you can make a better buying decision. Lets first answer the question
of "Why a laptop?"

Why

Laptops fill a much needed gap in computing that cannot be filled by your desktop,
the ability to take your work and information with you. You might think a PDA
could fill that gap but don't confuse a PDA with the full functionality of a
laptop. PDA's are much more limited in functionality and certainly dont offer
you the multitude of benefits a laptop would offer. Many business people use
laptops to present information for sales, to gain access to the internet on
the go, and to serve as a central mobile repository of information and files.

Notebook Variations

There are several different categories of laptops. Laptops are generally categoried
by weight and screen size. From the smallest to largest they are:

Ultraportables: Usually ultraportable laptops are very lightweight and have
small screen sizes. Ultraportables usually have a long runtime on battery that
is achieved by using ULV or ultra low voltage cpu's which are not intended for
high performance, integrated video, and sometimes a lack of built in optical
drive. An ultraportable is ideal for a user who does not need much computing
power and who's activities include watching DVD's, light office documents and
work, listening to MP3's, and browsing online. The reduced screen size and lack
of discreet video limit an ultraportable's usability. Ultraportables are some
of the highest prices laptops to be found, their price premium is due to the
size and weight.

Portables: Laptops in the portable range are usually meant for students, businessmen
and women, lawyers, and people in other occupations that want access to information
and find the need for enough computing power to handle office and productivity
applications with less waiting for programs to open. Portables enjoy a balance
of lightweight and slightly increased performance that makes this category very
popular.

Mid-Sized: Although this is the third largest laptop category it is the most
popular and widely purchased of all categories due to its price being the cheapest
of all categories. Mid-sized laptops range from 14 to 15.4 inches and are produced
in the largest volume of all laptop sizes. The mid-sized laptop enjoys the widest
range of hardware configurations and has the added benefit of a larger screen
which makes it suitable for business presentations to small close groups and
everyday work.

Desktop Replacement: The largest, heaviest, and often most expensive of all
laptop categories is the desktop replacement. As its name implies the desktop
replacement is mean to replace a standard desktop with a laptop that usually
has all the functionality and power of its desk bound sibling. Desktop replacements
usually employ 17" or larger screens with high speed components and a wide
range of connectivity options. These laptops often have built in webcams, media
card readers, and at times even two hard drives or optical drives. All of this
capability does come at a price, not only is the desktop replacement one of
the most expensive categories but it also typically has the shortest battery
life. A laptop with a 17" screen, high end cpu, discreet video card, two
hard drives, and multiple I/O connectivity options eats a lot of power and can
have less than 2 hours of battery life even with the extended battery often
available. The desktop replacement is meant for individuals who demand power
and need as much screen real estate as possible for graphic design, presentations
and sales, and of course gaming.